Max Verstappen slams 2026 Formula 1 cars that are like Formula E on steroids

Formula E is an FIA-governed all-electric racing series that has been around since 2014, aimed at promoting sustainability, and has become the destination of several ex-F1 drivers.

Speaking at the Bahrain preseason test, Verstappen was asked about the new F1 cars, which are powered by new power units that deliver power from an internal combustion engine and electric component on a 50-50 basis, which means drivers will have to manage the energy while driving.

The Dutchman did not hold back; he said: "To drive [they are] not a lot of fun, to be honest. I would say the right word is management.

"It's not very Formula 1-like. It feels a bit more like Formula E on steroids. But the rules are the same for everyone, so you have to deal with that.

"As a pure driver, I enjoy driving flat out, and at the moment, you cannot drive like that," he lamented. "There's a lot going on. A lot of what you do as a driver, in terms of inputs, has a massive effect on the energy side of things. For me, that's just not Formula 1.

"Maybe it's then better to drive Formula E, right? Because that's all about energy, efficiency, and management.

"We're energy poor," the Red Bull ace went on. "I just want normal driving, just how it should be without having to [say]: 'Oh, if I brake a bit longer or less or more, or one gear up or down.'

"It so heavily impacts the performance on the straights. Plus, the grip at the moment is quite low with these tyres and the car configuration.

"It is a big step back to how it was," Verstappen said of the new cars that are smaller in size and with narrower tyres.

However, it was not all doom and gloom, as Verstappen found something positive to say about the new-for-2026 F1 cars.

"Honestly, the proportion of the car looks good, I think," he said. "That's not the problem. It's just everything else that is a bit, for me, anti-racing.

"Probably people will not be happy with me saying this right now. But I am outspoken, and why am I not allowed to say what I think of my race car? I can't help that.

"I mean, I didn't write the regulation. If it was, I think, up to non-political aspects of making a regulation, I think, anyway, the car would have probably have looked very different," he maintained.

But Verstappen made sure to give credit to all the Red Bull engineers who have worked hard to deliver the best car possible under the new regulations and vowed to repay their effort by doing his best in the cockpit.

He said: "On the other hand, I also know how much work has been going on in the background. Also from the engine side, for the guys. So, it's not always the nicest thing to say. But I also want to be realistic as a driver, the feeling.

"I also know what is at stake with the team; our own engine and seeing the excitement of the people.

"Of course, when I sit in the car, I will always give it my very best. They know that. Excitement level is not so high to drive," Verstappen concluded.